The Feasts of Israel The revealing of God s plan of redemption and its timeline By Dan Gallagher Opening: The Feasts of Israel and their significance Studying and understanding the Feasts unlocks a huge blessing Number of years ago Gary Theisen first mentioned some of them and their significance. I realized I didn t know much about the Feasts. I have found most Christians don t know or understand them. We Christians have lost connection with their Jewish roots. A. The Feasts are God s Program When you go to a play, opera you get a program. A program tells you what is coming. The acts. Main characters, some of the parts and pieces But not all the details The Feasts of Israel are God s program, depicting the major events that will transpire in His plan of redemption, and the order that things will happen. B. The Feasts are Prophetic Foreshadows Prophetic shadows in the scripture A literary device that an author uses to reveal the aspects of the plot that he wants to emphasis. The feasts of Israel are one of the most powerful prophetic shadows in Scripture. They reveal a number of things: When the overall timeline of when events in God s plan of redemption. What details about what is going to happen in many of the events Why give us an understanding of why as the events unfold. This is not a comprehensive teaching (that would take days), but an overview touching on many details and significant points. 1
For further study: Unlocking the Secrets of the Feasts, Michael Norten Messiah in the Feasts of Israel, Sam Nadler Celebrating Jesus in the Biblical Feasts, Dr. Richard Booker The Feasts of the Lord, Kevin Howard & Marvin Rosenthal Part One- General Background I. The Feasts of Israel This teaching is concentrating on the Seven original Feasts of Israel not all nine that we have today. Not Purim (Lots) with Esther and Hanukkah (lights or dedication) from the Macabees. Seven Feasts Divided into two: Spring and Fall Spring Feasts 1. Feast of Passover 2. Feast of Unleavened Bread 3. Feast of First Fruits 4. Feast of Weeks Fall Feasts 5. Feast of Trumpets (blowing) 6. Day of Atonement 7. Feast of Tabernacles (Booths) A. Why have Christians have lost connection with our Jewish roots: Intentional action of church leaders in the mid 300 s. They viewed Jews as the enemy; those who killed the messiah. Result was we lost knowledge of our heritage and many great insights into what God is doing. Must have been a demonically influenced action. The Result: Reading or studying the Feasts can be confusing: Why? Each Feast can be referred to in different sections of the Old Testament Exodus, Leviticus, Duet. and Numbers. Multiple types of offerings Blood, grain, burnt, wave, cup Each Feast can have multiple names for the same Feast. Passover (Passover, Feast of Unleavened Bread, Feast of first fruits like Christmas) Dates change because of the differences in calenders. (Hebrew vs 2
Western) B. The Feasts are Important To the understanding significant portions of Scripture To understand God s plan of redemption To see His timeline C. Often neglected because people think this is just about the Old Testament But it s not! The Feasts are a Shadow of real time events that are happening in God s plan of redemption. Col 2:16-17 NIV 16 Therefore do not let anyone judge you by what you eat or drink, or with regard to a religious festival, a New Moon celebration or a Sabbath day. 17 These are a shadow of the things that were to come; the reality, however, is found in Christ 1. Evidence that indicates first century Church celebrated the Feasts. Act 12:3 3 When he saw that this pleased the Jews, he proceeded to seize Peter also. This happened during the Feast of Unleavened Bread. Act 20:6 6 But we sailed from Philippi after the Feast of Unleavened Bread, and five days later joined the others at Troas, where we stayed seven days. 2. When we understand the Feasts and all they detail we can gain greater insights into sections of Scripture like the following: 1 Cor. 5:7 For Christ our Passover also has been sacrificed. 1Co 15:20-23 20 But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. 21 For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead comes also through a man. Why did Jesus tell Mary, touch me not, John 20:17? What is the significance of that? 3
II. Let s begin with a clear understanding the word Feast The word for "feasts" is mo- ed/moedim (plural)- [Strongs 04150] Actually should be translated appointed times. Genesis 1:14 And God said, "Let there be lights in the expanse of the sky to separate the day from the night, and let them serve as signs to mark seasons [moed] and days and years, Leviticus 23:2 Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them, Concerning the feasts [meodim] of the LORD, which ye shall proclaim to be holy convocations, even these are my feasts [ mo'ed]. The Feasts are really referring to God s Appointed Times. They are His Program to His play. The Feasts are annual events but they are events in his- story. The year corresponds to the overall period of God s plan C. Measuring time The Jewish Calendar. A calendar is the way a year is measured. Since the Feasts take place throughout the year we have to understand that there is a difference between the Jewish calendar and our Western calendar. Gregorian calendar solar calendar (aka, the Western calendar, the Christian calendar) Based on the earths travel around the sun (365days). Problem elliptical orbit not a perfect circle= 360 degrees Orbit is really 365.25 thus every four years (Leap year) has one extra day. Having to do with marking the longest, shortest days of the year rising of the sun Jewish calendar lunisolar calendar ( a luna calendar adjusted to the solar seasonal year.) Primarily based on the rotation of the moon around the earth. (29.5 days) A month begins with the first sighting of the moon the first sliver (a new moon). 29.5 x 12 = 354 days (problem is it takes 365 days to get around the sun. 4
- this means the Jewish calendar is off by 11 days a year - basically adjusted by adding one extra month every few years (they use a 19 year cycle for corrections) - Some years they have Adar 1 and Adar 2 - Passover was commanded to be celebrated in the Springtime so adjustments to correct must be made Because of the differences between our solar year, and their lunisolar year, Jewish holidays appear to change dates every year. This is why Passover sometimes occurs in March or at times in April. Why does this matter? The following is about Feasts, not pagan rituals 1Sa 20:5 5 So David said, "Look, tomorrow is the New Moon festival, and I am supposed to dine with the king; but let me go and hide in the field until the evening of the day after tomorrow. This has bearing on understanding the new Testament 1 Thess 5:1 But of the times and the seasons, [a ref. to feasts, not the seasons of the year] brethren, ye have no need that I write unto you. Ezr 3:4-6 4 Then in accordance with what is written, they celebrated the Feast of Tabernacles with the required number of burnt offerings prescribed for each day. 5 After that, they presented the regular burnt offerings, the New Moon sacrifices and the sacrifices for all the appointed sacred feasts of the LORD, as well as those brought as freewill offerings to the LORD. 6 On the first day of the seventh month [Tishri One, Feast of Trumpets] they began to offer burnt offerings to the LORD, though the foundation of the LORD's temple had not yet been laid. 5
Part Two: The Spring Feasts The Feasts Leviticus 23 records the details of the Feasts Divided into two groups Spring Feasts 1. Feast of Passover 2. Feast of Unleavened Bread 3. Feast of First Fruits 4. Feast of Weeks Fall Feasts Future (Conquering King) 5. Feast of Trumpets (blowing) 6. Day of Atonement 7. Feast of Tabernacles (Booths) Spring Feasts: All have been fulfilled in Christ (Suffering servant) 1. Passover: ( Ex. 12; Lev 23: 4) When: Celebrated on the 14 th day of Nisan (March- April) Scripture reference: Leviticus 23:4-5 4 " 'These are the LORD's appointed feasts, the sacred assemblies you are to proclaim at their appointed times: 5 The LORD's Passover begins at twilight (between the evenings) on the fourteenth day of the first month. Recap: Israel is captive in Egypt God sends ten plagues: Not merely to pressure Pharaoh but also to bring judgment against Egypt s false Gods. Nile to blood=khnum (river god) Frogs = Heqt, frog headed goddess of resurrection Lice = made them unclean and stopped their sacrifices Flies =- Beelzebub Livestock suffered = Apis, sacred bull Boils = Imhotep, god of medical cures Hailstones = Nut, sky goddess Locusts = Nepri, grain god 6
Darkness = Re, sun god Exodus 11: Moses details the final judgment the death of all the firstborns Celebrated the Passover sacrifice as protection from the destroying angel. Passover details In the first month of the year. They selected a lamb on the tenth day of the month. Killed it on the 14 th, sprinkled blood on the doorposts, and on the lintel, and ate the Passover meal. Then, that night the destroying angel Passed over those who followed the instructions all the first born of Egypt died, including animals. Foreshadows in Passover: 1 Corinthians 5:7 Get rid of the old yeast that you may be a new batch without yeast- - as you really are. For Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed. Details of Passover Celebration: Passover Meal Lamb: (Ex. 12) points to the true Lamb of God! A male lamb selected the flock one for each family Jesus is the Lamb of God (john 1:29; 36)! One year old- comes of age! Closely examined and without defect- Pilate examined - (Luke 23:4)! Slaughter at twilight (between the evenings) First lambs killed at 3:00-6:00pm The body eaten leftovers burned, totally consumed. Eat the meat become one with the sacrifice Blood on doorframes and to, not on threshold only worked if it is applied have faith in it. (Heb 10:29. Not to trample under foot the blood)! It is a bitter meal- eaten with bitter herbs Psa 41:9 Even my close friend, whom I trusted, he who shared my bread, has lifted up his heel against me.! Bread with out yeast matzah (no sin, pierced and bruised 7
Significance: It marks the time of their freedom from bondage in Egypt. It is a shadow of when they would truly be freed from the bondage of sin by the true Passover lamb (Jesus). Application: When we accept The Passover Lamb, we die with him. We are covered by his blood We are too freed from threat of everlasting death and the destroyer. Exodus 12:14 14 "This is a day you are to commemorate; for the generations to come you shall celebrate it as a festival [feast] to the LORD- - a lasting ordinance. 2. Feast of Unleavened Bread Passover and Unleavened bread are given in Exodus 12. All other Feasts are given in Lev 23. This one was given with Passover. The First of the three times when all men were to present themselves to the Lord at His Temple. When: Celebrated the fifteenth of Nissan (March- April) Scripture reference: Primary Ex 12:14-20, also mentioned in Ex 13:;Lev 23:6-9, Duet 16:16, 2 Chron 8:13. Lev 23:6 NIV 6 On the fifteenth day of that month the LORD's Feast of Unleavened Bread begins; for seven days you must eat bread made without yeast. It became an extension of Passover, because it starts the very next day. One week long Commemorates the Day Israel left Egypt. Deu 16:3-4 NIV (Bread of Haste Bread of Affliction) 3 Do not eat it with bread made with yeast, but for seven days eat unleavened bread, the bread of affliction, because you left Egypt in haste- - so that all the days of your life you may remember the time of your departure from Egypt. 8
4 Let no yeast be found in your possession in all your land for seven days. Description:: It is characterized by the removal of all yeast (leaven) From your quarters (Ex. 13:7) From your territory (Dt. 16:4) Very painstaking preparations, starts the day after Passover (a sabbath no work, so preparations have to start well in advance. Significance: Points to Christ being without sin: We need to do the same remove yeast from the home yeast is symbolic of sin, the home is symbolic of the heart. Points to Christ s dead body- the bread without life (no yeast) Application: Jesus was without sin, and we are to be too. Romans 6:1-18 we were buried with him count yourselves dead to sin. united with him in his death. Do not offer yourselves to sin. Mat 16:6-12 NIV 6 "Be careful," Jesus said to them. "Be on your guard against the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees." 1Co 5:6-8 NIV 6 Your boasting is not good. Don't you know that a little yeast works through the whole batch of dough? 7 Get rid of the old yeast that you may be a new batch without yeast- - as you really are. For Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed. 8 Therefore let us keep the Festival, not with the old yeast, the yeast of malice and wickedness, but with bread without yeast, the bread of sincerity and truth. The Feast of Unleavened Bread reminds us that as God s people we need to today, like the Corinthians, need to clean out the old leaven, the unconfessed sin that hinders intimacy with the Lord. 1John 1:9 NIV 9
9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness 3. The Feast of Firstfruits The third feast described in Leviticus 23: 9-14 Description: A time when a sheaf of the first harvest (barley) is cut and presented to the Lord. When: Celebrated on the 16 th of Nisan (March April) It falls during the Feast of Unleavened Bread A specific day is not given, it is calculated as the day after the Sabbaths. Now generally accepted as the first weekly Sabbath after the feast of Passover. Easter versus Passover and Firstfruits Easter moved because of anti- Semitic forces in the church. Easter based on Spring solstice Sometimes Easter falls before Passover, thus easy for Jews to object and reject it (Gregorian versus Jewish calendar). Scripture reference: Leviticus 23:9-14 9 The LORD said to Moses, 10 "Speak to the Israelites and say to them: 'When you enter the land I am going to give you and you reap its harvest, bring to the priest a sheaf of the first grain you harvest. 11 He is to wave the sheaf before the LORD so it will be accepted on your behalf; the priest is to wave it on the day after the Sabbath [historical debate about what Sabbath). Background Two main harvests barley and wheat, planted about the same time. Barley Harvest: (poor man s harvest Jesus humbled himself, no world wealth) Sown in the winter months- the first grain to ripen in the early Spring. It was the first fruits of harvest offered Wheat about a month or so later. 10
A special field was used that the Priests could be seen from the Temple area. Also, each family obligated to bring it s own firstfruits. Foreshadow elements: You cannot celebrate the feast of firstfruits without Passover. You cannot celebrate first fruits without entering the promised land. Jesus is represented by the barley harvest Generally barley must endure- grow in harsher conditions Presented first. Poor man s harvest- not as rich as wheat. The grain was winnowed, parched, and bruised in a mortar. Winnowed by using rods, finely ground Jesus was beaten with rods 1 Peter 2:24 He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed. Brought to the court of the Temple presented to the priest Jesus had to present himself to the father his going up with Mary was a reference to the temple mount, not to heaven. John 20:17 Jesus said, "Do not hold [kjv = touch]on to me, for I have not yet returned [gone up] to the Father. Go instead to my brothers and tell them, 'I am returning [going up] to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.' " Two leavened loves presented Only sacrifice that allows Yeast in bread- accepted by God with our sin because of Jesus complete work. Two loaves = Jew and Gentiles Significance: Jesus is the true first fruit 1Co 15:20-23 20 But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. 21 For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead 11
comes also through a man. 22 For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive. 23 But each in his own turn: Christ, the firstfruits; a then, when he comes, those who belong to him. If the first fruit is accepted by God then the whole harvest is accepted. (Lev 23:11-14) Just as the barley field did nothing on its own to be kosher (acceptable) so too, we do nothing. We are made acceptable because the firstfruit was accepted (Rom 11:16: James 1:18) The firstfruits of the spirit Romans 8:23 we have the firstfruits of the spirit. 4. Feast of Weeks The fourth feast, Aka: Pentecost meaning the fifty days and the Feast of the Latter Harvest. The second time when all men were required to present themselves to the Lord Description: The time when they made a wave offering of the firstfruits of the latter Harvest of the wheat are presented. When: No specific date associated with it late Spring (late May early June). Determined by counting seven weeks from First fruits. 7weeks plus one= 7 x 7 plus 1 = 50 days Scripture reference: Lev 23:15-16 (also Num. 28:26-31; Duet. 16:9-12) 15 " 'From the day after the Sabbath, [Passover] the day you brought the sheaf of the wave offering, count off seven full weeks. 16 Count off fifty days up to the day after the seventh Sabbath, a and then present an offering of new grain to the LORD. Significance: Later it became tied into the giving of the Law in Sinai Considered the spiritual birthday of Israel since the giving of the Torah brought the twelve tribes together as God s people. 12
The Birth of the Church (sacred Secret) It is considered dateless in that it s date depends on the timing of Passover. it was a secret. This feast does not have it s own name, like Passover or Firstfruits. Foreshadows The giving of the Law Exodus (19:17-19 Fire, smoke, trembling) Pentecost (Acts 2:1- mighty rushing wind, fire) The Feast of Harvest A wave offering of the latter harvest Fine flour- Baked with yeast Lev 23:17 17 From wherever you live, bring two loaves made of two- tenths of an ephah of fine flour, baked with yeast, as a wave offering of firstfruits to the LORD. Fine flour (Hb. solet meaning to strip, being crushed, or worn. All chaff, lumps, and inconsistencies are to be removed so the flour is fine and consistent. We become consistent as we conform to the perfect character and image of Christ. Chastening develops our consistency, it refines and works out the inconsistencies (sin and character flaws) in our lives. Come as you are, but don t Stay as you are. Part Three Fall Feasts- All they Spring Feasts have occurred there is a period of the time with no feasts Like there has been almost 2,000 years of nothing in the Age of Grace. Spring = suffering servant; Fall = Conquering King The two aspects of Jesus ministry These still remain in the future- this means we do not know fully which is the nature of a shadow, still obscured unlike 20/20 hindsight.. 13
5. The Feast of Trumpets Fifth Feast When: The seventh month of the Jewish year (Tishri 1) Sept.- Oct. The only Feast that starts on a new moon. Watched for the first sliver of light indicating the new moon. No man knew the day or hour when it would appear. Had an idea but didn t know exactly. Description: A time of the blowing (lit.) Trumpets were actual horns: Rams horn (like a Mt. goat curled) Kudu horn (long horn of an African antelope) We still call instruments that we blow a horn- - Louie Armstrong & Kenny G- It is a time of the blowing of trumpets (horns) A trumpet was literally a horn Scripture Reference: Lev 23:24-25 NIV 24 "Say to the Israelites: 'On the first day of the seventh month [Tishri] you are to have a day of rest, a sacred assembly commemorated with trumpet blasts. 25 Do no regular work, but present an offering made to the LORD by fire.' " Significance: Things to take note of: Aka: Feast of blowing Feast of Awakening Feast of Resurrection Day of Judgment Day of Remembrance (Jericho, battles) Obscured meaning (God s fulfillment is still a day in the future): A Day of Blowing There are over 100 different trumpet blasts 14
Very little is said about this feast in Scriptures, There has always been a sense of mystery about it this feast. Little understood as to why they are to blow trumpets. Tradition teaches that it was thought to open the gates of heaven a possible allusion to the future Rapture and since the Rapture involves the Sacred Secret, noting would have been know about this future event until after Pentecost. This Feast probably has multiple applications in its significance. Jewish tradition: Rabbis looked to past events to figure it out: The Day Adam was created (Tishir 1) We believe Jesus was born on Tishri One (Sept 11, 3 BC) The Second Adam Reminiscent to Jericho and other battles when the trumpet was blown. Trumpets signify in Scripture: A call to assembly A command to move out. A call to war. (1 Cor 14:8) Preparation for an announcement. (Rev 8) A warning of judgment to come (Rev 8:2) A call to celebrate and worship Possible significance of this Feast in God s Timeline of Redemption: 1. Announcing our harvest 1Co 15:51-52 NIV 51 Listen, I tell you a mystery: We will not all sleep, but we will all be changed- - 52 in a flash, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed. 1Th 4:16-17 NIV 16 For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. 17 After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever. 2. Announcing Israel s harvest a gathering Isa 27:13 NIV 13 And in that day a great trumpet will sound. Those who were perishing in Assyria and those who were exiled in Egypt will come and worship the LORD on the holy mountain in Jerusalem. 15
3. Announcing His final harvest Mat 24:31 NIV 31 And he will send his angels with a loud trumpet call, and they will gather his elect from the four winds, from one end of the heavens to the other. 4. Announces the beginning of the Kingdom Rev 11:15 NIV 15 The seventh angel sounded his trumpet, and there were loud voices in heaven, which said: "The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ, and he will reign for ever and ever." It will be a call to assembly, an awakening, a call to war. 6. The Day of Atonement The sixth Feast When: Tishri 10- the tenth day of the seventh month (Sept- Oct) Description: The name gives little sense as to the meaning. Many very detailed sacrifices (the sin offering and the scapegoat) Considered the holiest day of the year. It is the only Day the high priest entered the holy of holies. Also known as The Fast. Act 27:9 9 Much time had been lost, and sailing had already become dangerous because by now it was after the Fast. Scripture reference: Lev 23:26-28 26 The LORD said to Moses, 27 "The tenth day of this seventh month is the Day of Atonement. Hold a sacred assembly and deny yourselves, and present an offering made to the LORD by fire. 28 Do no work on that day, because it is the Day of Atonement, when atonement is made for you before the LORD your God. Jewish tradition: Thought to be about the Final Judgment thus known to the Jewish people as the holiest day of the year. A very solemn time of personal evaluation, fasting, and repentance. 16
A time of judgment by God when everyone will have to atone for their sins (they didn t understand that the Messiah would die for their sins). Occurs ten days after Feast of Trumpets (a time when the opening of the doors of heaven) and is thought to be the closing of the doors of heaven and judgment begins. Significance: The Day of Atonement: Points us to a future day when everyone will stand before the throne and be judged. Because we have accepted Christ, we will be at one with God atonement 7. The Feast of Booths The seventh and final feast Also known as the feast of Ingathering (Final Harvest; Ex 23:16, Lev 23:34-43, Duet 16:13-15) When: Tishri 15 the Fifteenth day of the seventh month (Sept- Oct) This takes place five days after Day of Atonement, a very solemn time. Description: The last of the three pilgrim feasts. The Fall harvest festival (Fruits- grapes, etc.) A time when everyone made temporary shelters and celebrated the final harvest of fruit A for one week celebration. Lots of joy and known as the Holiday by ancient rabbis. Also referred to as our season of rejoicing. Seven days of continual joyous celebration followed by a solemn assembly on the eight day (the new beginning). Scripture Reference Lev 23:34 34 "Say to the Israelites: 'On the fifteenth day of the seventh month the LORD's Feast of Tabernacles begins, and it lasts for seven days. Significance: Pointing to the Millennial Kingdom Micah 4:2-4 3 He will judge between many peoples and will settle disputes for strong nations far and wide. They will beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks. Nation will not take up sword against 17
nation, nor will they train for war anymore. 4 Every man will sit under his own vine and under his own fig tree, and no one will make them afraid, for the LORD Almighty has spoken. Peter may have thought that it was the beginning of the Millennial Kingdom on the Mt. of transfiguaration. (Matt 17:1-4) HE asked if he should make each of them a booth. Conclusion: Spring Feasts (suffering servant) 1. Feast of Passover redemption, Messiah the perfect Passover Lamb is sacrificed for us. (His death) 2. Feast of Unleavened Bread sanctification- The Messiah was a pure, unleavened, without sin. (His burial) 3. Feast of First Fruits resurrection, Messiah rises triumphantly, the rest of the harvest will be accepted and holy because he is accepted. 4. Feast of Weeks redemption- the latter harvest. The outpouring of the gift of holy spirit is proof that we are accepted as the later harvest. It is the inauguration of the Church Age, The Body of Christ. Fall Feasts Future (Conquering King) 5. Feast of Trumpets (blowing) the Messiah returns, first for his body (rapture) then for the 6. Day of Atonement a time of repentance for Israel, and judgment before the throne of the Messiah. 7. Feast of Tabernacles (Booths) points to the reign of Messiah in his millennial kingdom, a time of joy when everyone who enters enjoys the fruits of the last harvest. 18